A NEW business network in Epsom and Ewell has proved an instant hit at its first event.

The Epsom and Ewell Business Partnership (EEBP) was launched with a 'business-to-business speed dating' forum at Epsom Downs Racecourse involving bosses from 65 organisations in the borough.

Mark Rouson, from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council, said the partnership was designed to encourage local businesses to expand and trade with each other, while also bringing new firms to the area.

Mr Rouson said the member-run EEBP was set up by the council in response to calls from local traders for a co-ordinated scheme to help them forge links with each other.

He explained that the partnership, open to all organisations in the borough, was the first of its kind established by the local authority and would help to meet its new priority of "economic vitality".

He said: "Epsom and Ewell has traditionally been an area of high employment, so business is not something the council has really got involved in.

"However, in the current economic climate businesses need all the help they can get. We hadn't given this launch event a large push and we didn't know how successful it would be.

"But the number of people who attended shows this forum is something businesses want, and it's a very encouraging start for the partnership."

One of the attendees at the forum was Brian Stone, owner and managing director of Ewell-based security systems firm DSI UK Ltd, who praised the organisation of the event.

He said: "We were made aware of everyone there and I was able to talk to quite a few people. There were several companies I heard about that I would like to work with.

"It was definitely worthwhile. I'll be there at the next forum and I'm interested in the EEBP's other events. All my business comes from referrals and networking so I know it works."

Mr Stone said he was glad to see the council offering more support to local businesses when they were under increasing pressure.

He said: "It's hard out there. We're all finding we're working harder and longer for less reward.

"I employ a few people too, so I'm making an effort not just to keep the business going but to keep my staff in their jobs."